1.11.2018

Twofer Murder ~ Spotlight, Author Interview, and Giveaway



Book Details:

Book Title: Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult fiction, 400 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: November 17, 2017
Tour dates: Nov 1 to 30, 2017
Content Rating: PG + M (Please be aware that TWOFER MURDER is a murder mystery. There are depictions of murder and some violence--though easy on the gore contents. No f-words but there may be some mild profanity, and mild religious expletives such as "damn", "hell" and "Oh God!". Some depictions of brief sexual content (kissing). No drug use or underage drinking among the protagonists.)

Book Description:

Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?

Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company. Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!

Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!

Buy the Book:

Watch the trailers:


Meet the Author:



Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram





Interview with Lauren Carr

Lauren, fans of audiobooks are excited to discover that your best-selling mysteries are finally coming out in audio. What took you so long?
Thirteen years ago, my first book, A Small Case of Murder, came out. That wasn’t so long ago. Believe me! Thirteen years is not that long ago—not when you compare it to when the dinosaurs were lazily grazing in Yellowstone National Park.

Anyway, back to what we want to talk about …

At that time, one of my friends instantly asked when my book would be available in audio. My eyes
glazed over and I stammered out, “Eventually.”

This friend only listened to her books in audio. She had a long commute to work and that was when she would listen to her books. She would go through a couple books a week.

Not long after that, I discovered that another friend only did audiobooks. She loved to read, but couldn’t due to extremely bad eyesight. While she wasn’t legally blind, her eyesight was so poor that the only way she could enjoy a book was if it was available in audio.

Yet, back then, audiobooks were available on cassette or compact discs. I considered myself lucky when a traditional audiobook publisher picked up my first three books to be produced in audio (compact disc and digital download)—until I started receiving my royalty checks. I was lucky if I made over two hundred dollars a year! I would take a few copies of the compact discs to book events—only to have them gather dust. Eventually, I tossed them into the back of my closet, where they still rest and decided that that market was not really worth the effort.

What changed your mind?
Occasionally, readers would request that I make my books available in audio and I did notice that the
requests were coming with increasing frequency.

Then, Amazon suggested I make my books available through their company ACX. They also pointed out that Audible, a very successful audiobook dealer fell under their umbrella. Audible is lie the leading seller of audiobooks.

By going through ACX, I would essentially be self-publishing my own books—thus, keeping all of my rights. Over the years, I had seen on my royalty statements how many thousands of dollars my audio publisher was making annually on the sales of my books. So, this was quite appealing to me.

How do you see the market in audiobooks now?
I believe that the audiobook market is where the e-book market was about seven years ago. When my
books first came out in e-book, it was a big deal for me to sell any. Now, the lion’s book of my books
sales are in e-book, but I see a gradual increase in sales in audiobooks. Currently, I make more in
monthly royalties for my audiobook sales than I do for my print books. Note, that is after splitting my
royalties with the producers!

Here's the way I look at it: If it weren’t for my readers, I would not be living my dream of being a mystery writer. My readers want my mysteries to be in all formats: e-book, print, and audiobooks. Even if fans of one format are a smaller number than another—they are still my fans and deserve the reading experience they enjoy the most!

Do you have any upcoming projects that your fans should be looking for?
ICE, the first installment in my new series, will be coming out this spring.

The Chris Matheson Mystery series revolves around cold case mysteries. Retired FBI investigator, Chris Matheson and his friends, retired from various law enforcement agencies, combine their investigative specialties to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

In the first installment of this series, ICE, the Geezer Squad (the name they gave to their team) reopens the missing persons case of Sandy Lipton, a pregnant girl who disappeared during an ice storm.

Here’s the synopsis for ICE, scheduled for release in March!

They say no good deed goes unpunished. Such is the case for Christopher Matheson.

Twenty-five years ago, Chris accepted an invitation to escort Sandy Lipton to her senior prom. The
college senior had been long aware that the shy teenager, who always waited on him at his favorite local diner, had a heavy crush on him. His feelings for the socially awkward girl was an equal mixture of affection and sympathy.

Months after a pleasant evening that ended with a single good night kiss, Sandy’s family slaps Chris with charges of statutory rape and a paternity suit.

No problem, declares Chris’s father, captain of the local state police troop, and their family lawyer. A
paternity test on the baby as soon as it is born would surely prove Chris’s innocence of all charges.
Except that days before Sandy Lipton’s due date, she disappears, along with any chance of proving Chris had not taken advantage of the vulnerable girl.

The disappearance divides the townspeople of the Shenandoah Valley. While many believe that the real culprit had abducted Sandy to keep the identity of her baby’s father a secret, others believe the state police captain had made her disappear and used his influence to keep his son out of jail.

Decades later, the Sandy Lipton case is has gone as cold as ice.

Now a retired investigator of the FBI, Chris Matheson returns home to discover that the cloud of
suspicion that had been cast over himself and his family is still there. A single father, he is determined to
clear his family name for the sake of his three young daughters.

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson goes to work to thaw out this cold case and chip away at the truth to
uncover what had happened to Sandy Lipton and her baby.

Enter the Giveaway!
Ends January 27


a Rafflecopter giveaway



1.10.2018

Paddington 2 ~ Movie Trailer

Paddington Bear has been a beloved character in over 150 books since 1958 and he is about to star in his second big-screen production which is releasing on January 12, 2018.



Are you wondering what this movie is all about? Well, wonder no further...

  • Following the worldwide hit “Paddington,” one of the most successful family films of all time, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. 
  • While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it.  But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. 
  • Paddington 2 stars: Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Sally Hawkins (Jayne Eyre), Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia) and Ben Whishaw (The Hollow Crown) as the voice of Paddington.
Sounds delightful and perfect for a family movie time together. And really who wouldn't love to get a pop-up book as a gift?




Now enjoy a short trailer for the forthcoming film:





1.08.2018

A Song of Home ~ Review

A Song of Home: A Novel of the Swing Era
Pearl Spence #3
By Susie Finkbeiner

Life for eleven-year-old Pearl Spence has taken on a new normal but she still longs for Mama to return home to them. But living near enough to visit with Aunt Carrie and Uncle Gus is nice. And the family no longer has to worry about too little food. Escaping with a library book is one of Pearl's favorite past times and Aunt Carrie has taught her how to climb a tree in a ladylike fashion, something Mama wouldn't approve of.

Bliss, Michigan, isn't like Red River, Oklahoma, Pearl knows because she and Ray spy Opal dancing with Lenny Miller. But Bliss has a past that isn't that different from Oklahoma when it comes to mixed race relations. When Opal starts teaching her how to swing dance Pearl has found a new favorite and with the upcoming Valentine's dance Pearl is determined to enjoy and show off her new skill.

But Pearl still longs for Mama to return but when Pearl gets her wish nothing is how it was. Mama may be home but she's not part of the family anymore and Pearl just can't believe Mama is home to stay.

This is yet another time of trial and change for Pearl as life continues. There are good times mixed in with the hurt and through it, all love and family are there for her. Growing up is never easy and sometimes the unexpected twists make sometimes harder than others.

I have to admit I have not read the previous two books in this series and I feel that if I had it might have been a tad easier to follow the story when it first started. But overall it was an interesting and enjoyable book. The racist attitudes of some of the people were hard to accept in their opinions of Opal. I really enjoyed Opal, Pearl, Ray, and Pearl's father along with Aunt Carrie and Uncle Gus they knew what was right and did it. Historical fiction is a great way to get a feel for an era and this book is no exception.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Kregel with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Pearl Spence has finally settled into a routine in Bliss, Michigan, far from her home in Red River, Oklahoma. Like all the other kids, she goes to school each day, plays in the woods, and does her chores. But there's one big difference: Mama is still gone, and doesn't seem to have a thought for the family she's left behind.

Escaping from her worries is another part of Pearl's new routine, whether that's running to Aunt Carrie's farm, listening to the radio with Ray, or losing herself in a book. In fact, a chair in the stacks, surrounded by books, might be her favorite place on earth--until she discovers swing dancing. The music transports Pearl to a whole other world.

When Mama unexpectedly returns, it isn't the happy occasion Pearl had imagined. Mama is distant and Pearl can't figure out how to please her. And the horrible way she treats Daddy is more than Pearl can bear. Seems life would be better if Mama would just stay away.

Finkbeiner's portrayal of both tragedy and everyday life in times of great change is charged with a raw beauty that will haunt readers. Fans of the two prior Pearl Spence novels won't be disappointed!

1.07.2018

My Merry Christmas ~ Review

My Merry Christmas
By Sally Lloyd-Jones
Illustrated by Sara Gianassi

This padded board book is delightful and perfect for little readers. The story is 22 pages of illustrations with text on 14 of these pages. The story has a lovely rhythmic flow - "What is Christmas? Do you know?" and with this opening line, the tone is set.

The story has a back-and-forth presentation as cute woodland animals decorate for Christmas and enjoy the season and the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus is told.  The woodland illustrations make use of blues while the Biblical illustrations make use of browns. The illustrations go together and yet each portion has its own unique feel. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this book that ends with John 3:16!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher BH Publishing with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
What is Christmas?

Is it twinkling lights? Angels? Stars? This rhyming story by Sally Lloyd-Jones helps children relate favorite holiday symbols to the true story of Christmas‒the night Jesus was born.


1.01.2018

A Matter of Trust ~ Review

A Matter of Trust
Montana Rescue #3
By Susan May Warren

Gage Watson's life was destroyed three years ago following a tragic accident and he's never forgiven himself or the woman who betrayed him when at his most vulnerable. Unfortunately for him Ella Blair is back and asking for his help again.

Gage was the one man for Ella and she knew when she met him the first time and the crush she had had on him like forever from his videos was just cemented after meeting him and getting rescued. But then she betrayed him in the courtroom when her law firm represented the victim's family. And the for the since the civil case she's been living with the guilt of knowing the truth of what really happened - something even Gage doesn't know.

But when her younger brother's reckless ways bring her to Glacier National Park she never expected to see Gage Watson again. And she certainly never expected to have him show up at her door in search of her brother. And when her brother makes good on his threat of attempting Gage's most dangerous run Ella demands that Gage set out to save him from himself and allow her to assist. But when trust has been destroyed it could add another element of danger to already deteriorating search.

But this book also delves into Ty's story and the crash that is keeping him out of the pilot's seat for PEAK. And the secret that he is helping Jess keep hidden is in danger of seeing the light of day (or press) when Ella's friend Brette's journalistic tendencies focus on PEAK's EMT. And the unidentified body that was found during a search for Esme is a continued thread in this book that has an unexpected revelation that is obviously going to continue on into the next book Troubled Waters.

Looking for extreme adventure and danger with second chances at love? Check out Susan May Warren's Montana series and be sure to read them in order to fully appreciate the storyline.


About the Book:

It's those we love who have the power to hurt us most . . .

Champion backcountry snowboarder Gage Watson has left the limelight behind after the death of one of his fans. After being sued for negligence and stripped of his sponsorships, he's remade his life as a ski patrol in Montana's rugged mountains, as well as serving on the PEAK Rescue team. But he can't seem to find his footing--or forget the woman who betrayed him. 

Senator and former attorney Ella Blair spends much of her time in the public eye as one of the youngest senators in the country. But she has a secret--one that cost Gage his career. More than anything, she wants to atone for her betrayal of him in the courtroom and find a way to help him put his career back on track. 

When Ella's brother goes missing on one of Glacier National Park's most dangerous peaks, Gage and his team are called in for the rescue. But Gage isn't so sure he wants to help the woman who destroyed his life. More, when she insists on joining the search, he'll have to keep her safe while finding her reckless brother--a recipe for disaster when a snowstorm hits the mountain. 



Oath of Honor ~ Review

Oath of Honor
Blue Justice #1
By Lynette Eason

Isabelle St. John is close to her family especially her twin brother Derek. But when her brother suddenly seems hard to connect with Isabelle is a little worried. But she's sure it is probably another undercover assignment keeping him distant. After all, law-enforcement is what her family does and they all understand the risks involved.

When an off the books info gathering stakeout goes bad and her best friend partner Kevin Marshall is a victim, she's determined to find out what went wrong and who is involved in this operation with ties to the current upswing in gang crime. But something she thought she saw in the chaos gives her pause - can she share what she thinks she saw or will she be putting someone else she cares about in danger? And unofficially working with Kevin's older brother Ryan a fellow officer could prove hard - especially with her secret childhood crush on him.

But soon it becomes obvious that Kevin's killer or killers have targeted Isabelle for some reason and they need to determine why before Isabelle becomes the latest statistic. Could she have seen something that could bring this case to a close? Or could the rumor of dirty cops be behind what is happening?

A speedy resolution to this case is imperative as it could far-reaching political ramifications for Columbia, South Carolina. But the danger is closer than anyone ever expected...

Fans of Lynette Eason's work will enjoy this first offering in her new series Blue Justice that follows the St. John siblings, all six of them - five of whom are in law enforcement.  The danger starts with the first chapter and the action takes place over less than a week from Thursday to Tuesday. Love page-turning suspense with the outcome in doubt with some romance thrown in for good measure - this is one you'll want to add to your 2018 to read list!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectation of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A murdered partner. A missing brother. Will 
Isabelle's silence protect those she loves . . . 
or delay justice?

Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. She knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Izzy is determined to discover exactly what happened, and her investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's brother Ryan, a handsome homicide detective, shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

12.30.2017

Vanishing Point ~ Review

Vanishing Point
A Nikki Boyd Novel
By Lisa Harris

It was a missing person abduction that was hiding something more sinister. And before this case is solved more young girls will be missing.

Garrett Addison has just become a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and this case could be the hardest he's ever had to deal with - a teen who will never be going home again. And the evidence is pointing to a serial killer - the Angel Abductor. But that is the only thing the evidence is revealing.

When the FBI is pulled into the equation hope for a quick resolution quickly fades. But Special Agent Jordan Lambert is dedicated to finding the truth and seeing justice served. Something she never expected was working Garrett Addison the man she left behind for the FBI, but solving this case is above any awkwardness is foremost on all minds involved. But this killer is covering his tracks if he truly is a he leaving nothing behind to provide any clues.

As time slips away time continues to run out on the victims leaving the investigators almost as broken the families left without answers. But the killer soon finds a new target the team investigating him and anyone around them is at risk...

Fans of the Nikki Boyd books will finally learn the backstory that leads up to the abduction of her sister and the investigation that followed. This book can be read without first reading the Nikki Boyd books but can read these later. Nikki is a minor character in this book with the original investigative team taking the forefront throughout in this book that spans more than a decade. Get ready to delve into a mystery that will keep you reading for the answer that has eluded Nikki for years.


About the Book:

Six girls missing . . . and every clue leads to a dead end

During Garrett Addison's first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She's just one in a string of disappearances with one thing in common--a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.

The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies, Garrett wonders whether he really has what it takes to be an agent. Maybe he should just walk. But while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him--or Jordan.